Choteau
A/N: hello my dearies! I’ve been mia, not a surprise lol, but after a long move I’m finally transitioned into our new home, and have had sometime. Anywho, I am back with a new short series. I know, I know. Oh lawd someone stop me now, right? But without further ado, here is part one of my Steve Rogers cowboy-esque series- the one I promised months ago 😂 As usual, unedited, because this is fucking tumblr. Enjoy dearies! P.s. remember I do cover art?
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Thee Masterlist
Steve Rogers x Reader
Warning: fully disclosed- talks of domestic abuse.
Word count:3k+
Your lungs burned with such intensity, it felt as if a hot flame licked at their very walls, with every intake of breath, or lack thereof. Every inhale seemed to fuel the fire, as you desperately fought to fill your lungs with air, but to no avail. You could feel your head growing fuzzy, the sensation of prickling needles engulfed your head. starry lights overtook your visual field, until there was nothing but darkness...
You startled awake, your heart thudding against your chest, as you rubbed at your neck, panting as you managed to catch your breath. It was just a dream, you whispered to yourself with a sigh of relief. it was just a dream. You sat up, the scratchy sheets of the cheap motel rubbed against the exposed skin of your legs. Looking over, your daughter slept soundly next to you, the slow rise and fall of her chest, brought ease to your heart.
You felt awful, bringing her into this situation, uprooting her life, taking her out of the only home she’s ever known. But you couldn’t stay anymore. Your recent brush with death was too much. You couldn’t bare not being in your daughters life... She needed her mother. And she needed her mother unbroken for once.
You swung your legs over the bed, placing them firmly on the floor as you gripped at the edge of the bed with both hands. You glanced at the clock that sat on the dinky little end table. 5:47 A.M. it read in bright red numbers.
You definitely weren’t going back to sleep.
With a heave from the bed, you felt immediate stiffness in your back, as you walked to the small bathroom. You brought in your oversized navy blue duffle bag, pulling a compact bag from with in it. The overhead fan buzzed as you took a seat on the edge of the cold tub, causing shivers to descend down your spine.
You opened it, pulling the contents from within. You held in your hands the only money to your name. Slowly counting it out. $3759... you could do this... No, you have to do this. For her. For Bennie.
A soft knock at the door made your heart spring in your chest.
“Mommy.” Bennie’s soft voice brought your heart to ease. You had to remind yourself Aaron wasn’t here and you were safe. You tucked the loose bills back into the bag, tossing into the tub and pulling the curtain before opening the door. There stood your doe eyed little girl. Her hair was a mess. Those copper locks you loved so much were matted flat to one side of her head. You couldn’t help but smile, pulling her tiny frame into you for a big mama bear hug.
“What are you doing up so early mon petit chou?” You kissed the top of her head, brushing the dried drool soaked hair from her cheek.
“I’m hungry. My tummy rumbles.”
“Oh, you’ve got a case of the rumbly tumblies?”
Her head bobbed up and down, as she patted her tummy.
“Well, we can’t have that. Can you hangout for a bit while mommy takes a shower, and then we can grab some breakfast? I’m thinking waffles... with strawberries maybe?” A wide grin spread across Bennie’s face.
“Yay! Waffles!”
Bennie exclaimed as she bolted for the bed, tucking herself beneath the cover of her favorite purple fleece Minnie Mouse blanket.
The water didn’t take long to heat up, and for this you were relieved. White tufts of stream rose from the steaming water, as you watched it fall from the shower head. You reached your arm in testing the temperature before submerging yourself in the delicious heat. You could hear Bennie’s soft giggles trailing in, faint over the shower. You rested your head against the tile of the shower wall. That laughter, that little girl, is what kept you going through all the pain, the agony you had endured. You smiled as you let yourself become lost in her innocence.
Your shower ended far to quickly. It seemed to be over as soon as it started. You moved sluggishly, wishing for a few moments more under the scalding water. Wrapping yourself in the small hotel towel, you starred into the fog covered mirror, thankful you didn’t have to look into the mirror. You dressed hastily. Throwing on your favorite pair of medium wash denim jeans and an old hoodie. You tied up your damp hair in bun, if you could call it that. Bennie picked out her own outfit, a pair of unicorn tights, with a metallic ribbed skirt, and a red tee.
“I’m a pop star mommy! Like Barbie!” Bennie struck a pose, her lips protruding in a pouty face.
“You sure at Bennie! A true pop star!”
Stepping outside, the chilly morning Montana air kicked at your cheeks. You knelt down to Bennie, zipping up her sweater- that was a hassle to get her to wear, because according to Bennie, it just didn’t go with her outfit.- You tucked a sterling hair behind her ear before pulling the hood over her head. “There, nice and cozy.” You smiled lovingly at your toddler, gentle running your thumb across her cheek before settling her into her car seat.
You slid into the driver's seat of your quick buy, ‘06 Malibu. The dashboard clock read 6:32am as your car roared to life.the streets were empty, the town quiet. No hustle and bustle, of the city that you were used too. You drove around for about 15 minutes until you entered the small downtown area. The Buildings were rustic, carrying a late 19th century vibe to them. A quaint family restaurant was nestled between a flower shop and the local barbershop. As you pulled closer, you saw the open sign swaying back and forth on the door. Perfect” You thought to yourself, as you pulled into a parking spot. “Ready for some yummy waffles?”
Bennie nodded, the bun on top of her head bobbing back and forth. You remove yourself from the car, before unbuckling Bennie from her harness. The restaurant had a charming demeanour. Old photos hung from the shiplap walls, remembering the town in it’s beginnings. A free standing sign read “Please seat yourself”.
“Where should we sit Sweetie?” you asked, watching her excitement grow with anticipation. Grabbing your hand, she dragged you to a booth, just big enough for two, in the back left corner of the restaurant.
A petite and plump older lady began making her way towards you. Her graying hair was nestled in a messy bun, a few stray bangs, dangling in her face. A wide small graced her lips as she approached the table. It was an infectious smile, warm and nurturing.
“well good morning. My names Gwen. What can I start you two off with this morning?”
“Juice mommy, juice!” Bennie chimed.
“Apple or orange?” Gwen asked Bennie directly, her smile never fading.
Bennie’s brow furrowed as she was in deep thought, her hand bald in a fist under her chin.
“um, apple.” It came out more as a question rather than a direct answer.
“Apple juice it is. And for you?” Gwen’s focus was now on you, as she adjusted the pocket sized notepad in her hand.
“I’ll take coffee please. Lord knows I need it.”
“Say no more hun. Half and half or creamer?”
“Half and half would be great.”
“Be back with those drinks in a jiff.”
Bennie sat across from you, smiling contently as she opened the box of crayons.
“So what brings you to Choteau? We don’t get many visitors outside of hunting season, around here.” Gwen placed the cups onto the table, pouring fresh coffee into your mug.
“Just needed to get away for a bit. Pointed to a random place on the map, and here we are.” You put your best smile forward. It wasn’t like you were telling a complete lie.
“Well, were always happy to see new faces around here. You’ll find our smile town can be quite lovely. Now, what can I get you ladies to eat?”
“We'll take the Belgian waffles with strawberries and a side of breakfast potatoes.”
“Coming right up.”
Gwen shimmied away, leaving you to face a very eager child. She sat on her knees, Elbows resting on the table, dragging the blue crayon over the paper in erratic movements. Her eyes met yours with a smile, and your heart began to sink a bit. She was completely unaware of what was going on… why her father wasn’t around anymore. When you first decided you had to run, to get as far away from him as possible, you worried about Bennie-afterall, she was the reason you stayed. Bennie had stopped constantly asking about her dad, and you were thankful for it.
The last few months on the run, constantly looking over your shoulder had taken its toll on you, and the last thing you needed was the guilt. Although Paul treated you like you were less than human, he was a devoted father to Bennie, and she adored him, he was her hero. It was almost enough for you to stay to endure the ridicule, the bruises, until it nearly cost you your life…
You were startled from your thoughts when two large plates of waffles were set onto the table.
“you alright hun?” gwen's voice was laced with concern as she set down a bowl of potatoes.
“uh yea, yeah.. I’m fine. Just a lot on my mind.”
“well hun, if you ever need to talk, I’m around. Now enjoy your breakfast, and let me know if you need anything.”
“Thank you.”
She smiled softly, a look of worry in her eyes as she turned to walk away. You grabbed the plated that was set in front of Bennie, pulling a fork and knife that were wrapped in a napkin.
“What kind of syrup would you like baby? Mulberry, maple, blueberry?”
“um… Blueberry!” She practically yelled with glee.
You couldn’t help but chuckle. In all the things to happen in your life, Bennie truly was the best.
You were stuffed as you sat back in your seat. Your stomach felt like it may just explode. You should have stopped eating halfway in but that waffle was thee most delicious waffle you had ever had. You never could have imagined something as simple as a waffle could taste so good. Bennie looked about the same, her eyes growing heavy as her head bobbed up and down. She definitely was going to fall asleep on the ride back to the motel.
You flagged down Gwen with a wave. If you didn’t get out now, you’d be stuck lugging Bennie’s deadweight to the car. And any parent knows, there’s not much heavier than a sleeping preschooler.
“I can see someone is ready for a morning nap.” Gwen’s laugh was so pleasant, like windchimes, chiming in the light summer breeze. “Here’s your check hun. Anything else you need?”
You were hesitant in your response, but there was something about Gwen that made you feel relaxed, like you could be open for a moment.
“uh, Maybe you could offer some advice. I think we're going to be around for a bit, know of any jobs? Or places for rent? I don’t think the motel off of 45 is going to do the trick.”
“”I’ll be right back.” She hustled off in a huff, her shirt legs moving swift with every step, as she disappeared into the kitchen, door swinging behind her.
While she was gone, you grabbed your wallet from your purse, pulling the cash from your wallet, setting it onto the papercheck.
When you looked up from the table, Bennie’s eyes were nearly closed. Damn. You were not making it out of here with her awake. You coxed Bennie over to you, who sluggishly walked towards you, crawling into your arms. As soon has her head hit your chest, a soft snore trailed through her mouth. You brushed at her soft bronzed copper hair, placing a light kiss on her hair covered forehead.
The sound of a swinging door drew your attention from your daughter, it was Gwen, walking towards you, as if she was on a mission.
“Alright-“ She approached you, slightly winded, as if she had been running. “Sorry that took me so long, had to discuss it with my husband, and boy is he quite the talker. Anywho, he said it should be no problem at all to let you stay in our old house.”
“Your old house?”
“Yes. You see, we’re getting up there in age, and it’s an older farm house, and those stairs were becoming far too much for my Henry, so we built a small ranch home. I promise it is in great condition, a local boy helps us with the upkeep. So, it’s yours if you want it.”
A house, a whole house? You were flattered, but there was no way you could afford to rent a house. “I… I am flattered, I truly am, so thankful for the offer, but I couldn’t afford-“
Gwen held up her hand to shush you. “No need for any of that. You can help me out here, until you find something that better suits you. I really could use the help, with the way my knees have been feeling lately.”
You were dumbstruck. Never had you been met with such kindness, and from a stranger nonetheless.
“I don’t know what to say…” You felt the pressure building from behind your eye as you held back the floodgates.
“Run off back to the hotel and collect your things. We’ll get you settled.” You laid Bennie down on the bench of the booth, hauling yourself to your feet, wrapping your arms around Gwen in a coveted hug.
“I can’t thank you enough.”
Gwen returned the hug, it was an embrace that reminded you of your mother, and you savoured it.
“Now, you run along, and hurry back, okay?” Gwen pushed you back at arms length, wiping tears from your cheeks with a smile. You had known this woman all but an hour, and it felt as if you had known her a lifetime.
You gathered up a sleeping Bennie with a grunt, trying to steady yourself. God she was getting heavy. Her head rested on your shoulder, her wild locks falling into your eyes. Heading for the door , you took it one step at a time, longing for the days when Bennie easily fit into your arms.
Using your hip, you pushed the door open, the bell that sat over the threshold chiming it’s tune. You were incredibly thankful for your parking spot parked just a few feet from the door. You steady yourself against the rear passenger side door, your left knee supporting Bennie as you scavenged through your mess of a purse for your keys.
“God dammit.” You huffed in annoyance, as the keys you dug for slipped from you grasp, clanking against the asphalt.
“Here, let me help you with that.” A deep voice called from in front of you, your head snapping in the direction of the melodious voice. There, before you stood the most beautiful man you had ever laid eyes on. Dreaming blue eyes stared at your from beneath a tan ridgetop crease, felt hat. His chiseled jawline was brimming with freshly trimmed scruff. He was lengthy, his height seemed to be accentuated by his dark denim wrangler and heeled cowboy boots. From what you could tell he was toned, his baby blue button down shirt that cling nicely to his well defined arms.
“Ma’am.” His arm was extended out to you, keys dangling from his fingers.
You realized you had been staring, your cheeks growing warn as you quickly tried to regain your composure.
“Oh, um, I... Thank you so much.” You smiled nervously, pressing the unlock button on your key fob, a little too hard, causing the button to stick.
“Don’t mention it. Now you have a great day. Going to be a nice out today..” A wide and inviting smile spread across his face, revealing a perfect smile. It felt as though your heart was melting in your chest, a feeling you hadn’t felt in ages.
“You too, and thank you again!”
Your gaze lingered a bit too long as you watched him make his way into the restaurant. What a man.
You sighed heavily as you began buckling in Bennie.
“Get it together Y/N!” You coached yourself. The last thing you needed was to get distracted. You had important things to think about, and he wasn’t one of them.
You were in and out of the motel in no time at all. The small car was packed with what little belongings you had. Your stomach was in jumbles, as you sat behind the steering wheel. You were nervous, understandably, as the unsettling thoughts began flood in. Did you really think this through? We’re you being to rash? Was staying in the same location more than a week safe? Could you really trust these people? You could trust anyone?
You sighed heavily, laying your head against the steering wheel. You couldn’t keep running forever s your funds wouldn’t allow it, and it wasn’t good for Bennie, she needed stability after these last couple of months, you owed her at least that.
And Gwen, you’d never met someone so genuine in your life, second to your mother. In fact, she reminded you of your mother and she went out of her way to help you when she had no obligation to..
You were staying. This was going to be your fresh start. You had to start somewhere, and what better place than Choteau?
You arrived back at the family restaurant, Bennie still sound asleep, the soft putter of her snores filling the car. You could see Gwen standing in the window from your parked car. She must have been waiting for you. She gestured for you to wait, before waltzing her way out of the front door, that infectious smile beaming.
You rolled down your window as she approached the idling car.
“Alright Hun.” She handed you a slip of paper and a key. “Follow these directions. You can’t miss the house. It’s white -well off white, but nevermind that- with a green roof. I’ll stop over after my shift to see how your settling in. And my numbers below if you have any questions. Now you hurry along hun. I’ll see you later.” She have your hand a quick squeeze before heading back into the restaurant.
You took in a deep breath, flipping your car into reverse, as you headed in the direction of your new home.
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